Mistakes in the truck tire industry can be both costly and hazardous. Have you ever had a wheel come loose or come off while on your routes? Having your truck wheel fail because of poor installation can lead to a dangerous situation for everyone on the road.
That is why proper wheel installation comes with a short checklist of items called the R.I.S.T. procedure. Most commercial truck tire service technicians should be familiar with this tried and true acronym, and if they aren’t, you may want to avoid them.
- What Is the R.I.S.T. Procedure? - Why Is the R.I.S.T. Procedure Important? - The Wonderland Tire Promise
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) first developed the acronym R.I.S.T. as a precautionary wheel installation procedure for tire service. This short phrase now helps tire technicians remember the 4 easy steps to reducing potential errors while installing tire and wheel assemblies.
The first step of the R.I.S.T. procedure, “R,” represents the removal of corrosion, dirt, and other debris from hub and rim mating surfaces once the wheel assembly has been taken off. This is done to make sure the joint doesn’t settle during service and because any foreign material between the wheel and hub or between duals can lead to loose wheels.
The second step of the R.I.S.T. procedure, “I,” represents the inspection of all tire, wheel, and hub assembly components. This inspection period allows technicians to identify any visible issues or signs of damage or excessive wear that could affect your vehicle’s safe operation later down the road.
At Wonderland Tire, this step also allows us to prepare the tire and wheel assemblies for the next step in the R.I.S.T. procedure. We always make sure to oil all of the studs and nuts and inflate your tires to cold operating pressure before replacing the wheel assembly. Our care-focused approach ensures our customers receive the best in tire and mechanical services each and every time they choose Wonderland!
The third step of the R.I.S.T. procedure, “S,” represents snugging the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheels or rims are evenly seated on the hub or drum. When using an impact wrench, tire service technicians should stop applying force immediately once there is resistance.
The final step of the R.I.S.T. procedure, “T,” represents “torque.” Technicians should tighten each nut to the recommended torque in a star pattern, taking precautions to ensure the proper amount of pressure is applied.
There are no guarantees when it comes to torque and clamping force. However, when technicians follow the R.I.S.T. procedure on a regular basis, success is the most likely outcome.
It all comes down to the safety of you and others on the road. A wheel assembly coming off could easily turn a truck into an unguided missile. Ultimately, any wheel-off accident can be life-threatening. Because of that, the R.I.S.T. procedure strives to keep your tires on the road instead of in a ditch.
FleetOwner explains, “When the correct torque is used as part of the RIST procedure to gauge the proper clamping force, loose wheels are rare. When the correct torque is used but the other three steps aren’t followed, the chance of wheel-offs increases. And when the installer has no idea how much torque is being applied and no clue about RIST, it’s an accident waiting to happen.”
At Wonderland Tire, the safety of you and those around you on the road is our priority. That’s why we promise always to utilize the 4 tried and true steps of the R.I.S.T. procedure when performing fleet tire service.
Wonderland Tire is a family-owned and operated tire company, with commercial locations serving Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. We've been serving the transportation needs of fleet managers since 1945, ensuring our customers receive the best in tire service.
Find your nearest Wonderland Tire to set up an appointment today!
Please click anywhere to continue browsing our site.